India, a tryst with destiny*

Since a few of you in India asked both via comments/email if I am coming to India this Summer...

Well... before I answer, let's just set the stage by establishing some hardcore facts here, OK? You all know how insanely much I love India, right? Right???

Eight visits the last few years? Some as long as three to four months? Now that's damning evidence of my love, isn't it?

It makes me really sad to have to tell you this, but unfortunately, I am not coming to India this time around. Bummer, I know.

I would so so so love to -- I even have a valid visa! Also, just to be clear, I didn't mean to cast the impression that Geoff and I are about to hit the road and take off on a long adventure covering the entirety of Asia.

Oh man, I would soooo love to do that but unfortunately my Geoff is not quite up to such a trip, not yet.

By the way I am throwing in some random India photos here with this post for no particular reason.

Let me tell you, just half-mindedly skimming through some of these photos makes me wanna cover my hands and feet in mehndi, braid jasmine garlands in my hair and maneuver my lunch off of a banana leaf. I have to confess, saris are not my craft and no amount of industrial strength safety pins will change that. Indian women seem to have a natural knack for gracefully navigating around in full sari gear -- me, I am a total bull in a china store when it comes to showcasing something this delicate. I get tangled up to the point of complete immobility, can't operate my left arm, trip at every step, can't use the bathroom and generally, I look about as classy as Hannibal Lecter in a straight jacket.

Geoff at a Coffe Day.

Coffee Day is basically the Indian equivalent of Starbucks, wouldn't you say?

Hi handsome.

How amazing would it be to all hang out at Coffee Day?

Me at the hotel.I wanna say this was seven years ago? I look like a child!

I wish I still had that skirt. I think I paid 10 Rupees for it and I lost it somewhere between India and Malaysia.

*Want further proof of my love of India?

It is with semi-embarrasment that I am publicly admitting here to the fact that I am yet to be able to read President Nehru's Independence Speech without choking up. No lie. Same goes for Geoff.

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.Jawaharlal Nehruthe first Prime Minister of independent India

Well, there you go, it did make me choke up again. Same goes for Jana Gana Mana. Just so you know. And the movie Ghandi. See, I am not fully immune to the state of mind otherwise known as "India".

But anyway, back to our topic.This time, we are basically just going on a relatively short business trip, sometime in the Summer to a country OTHER THAN India. Our schedule is still being finalized and we haven't even got our visas approved. When I tell you where we're headed you'll immediately understand why I am so adamant about not broadcasting our destination. It's not a safe country by any stretch of the imagination and neither is it some trendy tourist hub or some hip paradise. Most people I know would never consider going there.... But, but, but...call me crazy, that's exactly what I love about it!

Gosh, I love the desserts at CCD ( Cafe coffee day is populary called ccd ).. I can NEVER listen to jana gana mana without getting goosebumps but then I am Indian so its expected , I guess. I was hoping you'd go to India and bring me some gulabjamuns and rassogullas :( :(

I love your enthusiasm for India! My wife went there for two weeks in 2006 on a biz trip. She didn't have the same reaction. I wish she had, I think she missed a lot that trip. But she tried and grew a bit in appreciation, that is all one can hope for when fear is the predominant force. You make me want to go there!

THANK YOU for this post! I was particularly missing India tonight and your post totally cheered me up. I love that you've visited there so many times. I could totally see myself doing that as well now that I've had a little taste. I WANT MORE!!!!!! I would love to see a pic of you in a sari. Do you have one?

I'm so excited for you and Geoff! I know you will make it to India soon enough, but bet you will develop the same fond feelings for the destination of the exciting excursion you are planning. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos!

Geoff - You are blessed with a natural smile - excellent Sir excellent.
Keep smiling because it is rare these days And have a nice journey.
I love those shown photographs specially the buffaloes. Excellent.
AGnes, I am visualizing upcoming tour which I am starting soon.
I wish to be on-road forever. India - I love you.India is a curious place

Great pictures as usual !
Wow... indeed... that is true love for India.

Hmmm... let me guess your destination... what about Myanmar. Not sure what kind of business you can conduct there. Geoff doesn't look like an arms dealer and I don't see you selling nukes to the Burman authorities ;-)

You sound more Indian than so many I know. Not me no no!;-) Lovely post. I'd like to see you in saree. I'm waiting to read about your holiday destination..Such suspense. I don't wanna guess..I'll wait.

I never lose a single occasion to sing the National Anthem here in Dubai[usually at the kids school;-D] and when I hear Nehru's speech I'm immediately transported back to that time when he was reading it & millions were listening. The euphoria intermingled with the tears....I can only imagine.

Thank you all for your kind comments and keen intellect. What a pleasure it is to read the comments you leave. I feel as though we have grown a great family that rings the globe. Our journey beckons and our excitement is building as the time draws closer. I have slight worries about how my body will react to a much hotter climate as I'm not yet anywhere near full strength but that aside, Agnes and I revel in exposing others to decency, friendship and fulfillment and always draw the same from those we meet. Reminds me of the line in "The Little Prince" that went something like "You are responsible forever for those you tame."
Love
Geoff

that's such an Indian post with all the indian pics and indian historical treasures like Nehru's speech, its overwhelming and its more overwhelming to see it coming from you....you are lovely Agnes....well not saying this because you love India but because for being you :)

Great to read and see the photos,i even smelled mehndi and chamaylee...it took me back the memmory lane...I wish you the best where ever you go be safe.I am a travel agent and would love to provide you very discounted international tickets ,including business class...send me a mail,check the prices and compare...from the savings just pay a little more then Rs10 for a skirt...enjoyed the article

Wow!
Your love for India really amazes me!
I read several of your other posts too and they were interesting ..Loved the pics too!
I have visited Jawaharlal Nehru's ancesteral home in Allahabad,
Linking you there..

Hi there! I'm so proud of my country and proud so to be an Indian bathing in the riches of our tradition and culture and more so in the 'UNITY IN DIVERSITY' which I'm so proud of! Its more that amazing to see that you love India inspite of its poverty!! Great souls out there! Love you for being in love with India!! VANDE MATHARAM!!